Genealogy Forum NEWS
December, 1998
HOW WE SPEND OUR HOLIDAYS II
What is Chanukah?
Submitted by
Preciou211@AOL.com
Every year between the end of November and the end of December, Jewish people around the world celebrate the holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but the starting date on the western calendar varies from year to year. The holiday celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel
The Hebrew word Hanukkah (also written Hannukah or Chanukah) means dedication. During Hanukkah, gifts are exchanged and contributions made to the poor. Each evening, one candle is lighted in a special eight-branched candelabrum called a menorah or hanukkiyah. Beginning on the 2nd night, one candle is added every night until the total reached eight on the last night. The candles are lighted by a separate candle called a shamash.
The Story
Long ago in the land of Judea there was a Syrian king, Antiochus. The king ordered the Jewish people to reject their G-d, their religion, their customs and their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. There were some who did as they were told, but many refused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee.
Judah and his four brothers formed an army and chose as their name the word "Maccabee", which means hammer. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to clean the building and to remove the hated Greek symbols and statues. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, the job was finished and the temple was rededicated.
When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid, which is present in every Jewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lamp should never be extinguished.
Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days
Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The word Chanukah means "rededication"
In America, families celebrate Chanukah at home. They give and receive gifts, decorate the house, entertain friends and family, eat special foods, and light the holiday menorah.
How We Spend Chanukah
Submitted by
GFS Pilgrim@AOL.com
For Chanukah, I put out the decorations and driedels, the Chanukah Menorah and each night we light the correct number of candles and say our prayers. Chanukah is 8 days long and you burn one candle for each of the nights, plus the shamus or servant candle. We make lataks and matzah ball soup, cookies and other goodies to eat. We use pretty Chanukah dinner service. When the children were small they used to hunt for a present every night to open, but since they are grown that doesn't occur. Chanukah is a much lower keyed holiday than Christmas, although I think as much fun.
Cheryl
Christmas Tradition
Submitted by
GFSMOM@AOL.com
When my children were young I got each of them a box and put their name on it. I then started buying or making ornaments for them each year. I usually was able to fine 2-3 ornaments that fit each child at that time of their lives. Every year when we decorate the tree, they hang their own ornaments on the tree. After the holidays they pack away and include the new ones they have received for that year. When my son married and moved to his home, I gave him his box of ornaments. Hopefully, as he decorates his tree one or more ornament will spark a memory of that year. I continue to buy for my two at home and also for my son and daughter-in-law and the first grandchild due anytime.
This idea came to me from a good friend years ago. It really sounded good to me as I have an old nicked up ornament from my childhood that no one can put on the tree but me. It is the very last one put on and it brings back wonderful memories of my childhood Christmas'.
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Content © 1999 - 2004 GFNEWS, a monthly publication of Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Armada, MI The Editors welcome your ideas and articles, success stories, favorite genealogy research tips, comments and suggestions. The Genealogy Forum is a proud member of the FGS - Federation of Genealogical Societies